Chugiak resident Diane Benson is running for lieutenant governor. Star file photo

Chugiak resident Diane Benson became the first Democrat candidate to enter the race for lieutenant governor Dec. 17, when she filed with the Division of Elections.

Benson is no stranger to elections, having run twice against Rep. Don Young for his Congressional seat. She also ran for governor once on the Green Party ticket in 2002.

She said the focus of her campaign will be on economic issues, violence against women and veterans' rights.

Benson, 55, cited her experience, knowledge of issues and contacts made in her previous campaigns for Congress. She's been teaching courses at the University of Alaska Anchorage on women and social action and Native women surviving violence.

On the Republican side of the lieutenant governor's race, Fairbanks Rep. Jay Ramras is running in the primary against Lt. Gov. Craig Campbell.

This article published in The Alaska Star on Thursday, December 24, 2009.